Brown, SIR WILLIAM

Brown, SIR WILLIAM, founder of the Liverpool Free Library, was born at Ballymena, County Antrim, in 1784, and sailed in 1800 with his parents for Baltimore, U.S. Returning in 1809, he established at Liverpool a branch of his father's linen business, and laid the foundation of one of the largest mercantile firms in the world. A liberal reformer and able advocate of a decimal coinage, he took a prominent part in local and public affairs, and unceasingly promoted the education of the people. In 1844 he vainly contested South Lancashire, but was returned for it in 1846, and was thrice afterwards re-elected. In 1857, at a cost to himself of £40,000, he founded the Free Public Library of Liverpool, and in 1859 he raised a corps of volunteer artillery. He was made a baronet in 1863, and died 3d March 1864, leaving a fortune of £900,000 personally.